Tom Barnard Enters Treatment Program; Will Remain On Air For Time Being

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– KQRS/92.5 Twin Cities' legendary host Tom Barnard (shown) surprised his audience last Friday by saying he was putting himself in a treatment program. This followed an admission of routinely drinking wine and taking pills to help him sleep or wake up, but he also said anger issues were affecting his life as well. "I don't want to be pissed off... I just don't want to be angry anymore," Barnard told listeners. He said he would try treatment as an out-patient basis for a week, but if that didn't work he would consider an in-patient program that would require a leave of absence. There was some confusion at first as to whether he would pull himself off the air indefinitely, but his attorney, Ron Rosenbaum, clarified that Barnard would NOT be taking a leave of absence. This announcement followed a week of some rather angry tweets targeted at the KQRS' sales department and members of his morning show, according to The Pioneer Press. Last July Barnard signed a four-year extension with the station. He also recently started a free podcast five times a week.

Pittsburgh's Jim Krenn Launches "No Restrictions" Podcast

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– Longtime Pittsburgh morning host Jim Krenn is once again behind the mic, but this time it comes via podcast. Called "No Restrictions" it will debut this Thursday on Sideshow Network. According to The Post Gazette, "No Restrictions" is a free download and is available through iTunes, Stitcher and on Mr. Krenn's website, jimkrenn.com, and at the Sideshow Network site, sideshownetwork.tv. Sideshow is the same comedy network which features podcasts from Harry Shearer, George Lopez, Phil Hendrie and Tommy Chong. Krenn will be joined on the show by a number of local comedians including Terry Jones, John Evans and Mike Wysocki. Krenn, a well known comedian, was host on the WDVE-FM morning team for 24 years, until his contract wasn't renewed in February 2012. Krenn is reportedly bringing back some some of his former WDVE characters such as Ralph the Cat and mall guard Ben Klingston.

APRIL FOOLERY: Michigan Residents Must Pay Sales Tax Based On Pet's Weight; Cable Star To Give Ugly Kids For Adoption And Dahl Signs Deal On Public Radio WBEZ-FM

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– Ahhh, once again radios' most creative minds busy at work making listeners wonder whether their legs are being pulled for another episode of April 1st Foolery. Our in-box was filled over the weekend with a lot of what's in store. Here's just a small sample. In Michigan they're phasing in new and innovative ideas for the local economy to thrive in today's climate with The "Michigan Pet Tax" (Proposal 12-8), which was passed in November. It's aimed to help Wayne County and the surrounding areas through tough economic times. So, reportedly, beginning April 15, 2013, purchasers or receivers of all animals are required to pay a sales tax to the state of Michigan based on their pets weight. This morning on 98.7 AMP-FM's The Coop Show, Steve Jones from the Department of Michigan Animal Resources (who sounds amazingly like our own stuntologist, Paige Nienaber, will ring up the show with details. Moving south to Kiss 95.1/Charlotte's Drex & Maney Show they had listener in Concord, NC who supposedly was pregnant with triplets and already has 7 kids. She had signed on with a big cable network to star in "Jen with 10." When the show wraps she plans to give the ugly ones up for adoption. JenwithTen.com then takes you to their website this morning with APRIL FOOLS!!! Of course, the one that will have listeners of Chicago's public radio WBEZ-FM scratching their heads this afternoon is tuning in to hear none other than Steve Dahl. According to timeoutchicago.com he will be introduced as the Chicago Public Media station’s new 2 to 4pm weekday replacement for Steve Edwards where he just signed a long-term multimillion-dollar deal. T.O.'s Robert Feder reports that the stunt was offered to Ed Volkman and Joe Bohannon, who declined. “Jobo didn't want [us] to ‘parody ourselves’ or ‘seem desperate,’ " Volkman told me. Instead, the morning show will parody Lin Brehmer’s opening day broadcasts for WXRT-FM (93.1) from a fictitious Wrigleyville bar.

IN THE MOUTH: Stephanie Winans' Do’s And Don’t's of Social Media Teasing PT. 2

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– In The Mouth, Digital Media Specialist, Stephanie Winans, of The Randy Lane Company, says "You spend time each day crafting on-air teases for your show to give listeners that “I have to hear this” feeling, to keep them listening through commercials or music breaks. In part 2 (see part 1 in recent news) of Winans' "Do’s And Don’ts of Social Media Teasing, she recommends the 80/20 rule. Randy Lane and Angela Perelli, my colleagues at The Randy Lane Company, encourage talent to use this guide for on-air teases. It works online, too. Give the listener 80% of the information and withhold 20%. Leave just enough to create a mystery. • Do consider your on-air tease on the topic. Often the same tease you use on-air works, if the post is related to a show topic, event, promotion or blog you’ve talked about on-air. • Don’t be misleading. While your teases should be compelling, they shouldn’t be misleading. Think Huffington Post, not National Enquirer. The payoff must be worth it or that fan won’t click the link the next time. Tomorrow in Part 3, Winans' talks keeping teases different for each social media platform

KEVIN POLLAK: Makes Robert De Niro Laugh Uncontrollably

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– Actor/Comedian Kevin Pollak joined MIX/107.3 Washington, DC's Jack Diamond Morning Show last week with his world famous celebrity impersonations in tow. Along with impressions of Christopher Walken, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson and others, they also talked about
his book "How I Slept My Way To The Middle", his new movie and comedy Podcast. Jack tells Jockline Daily, "I asked Kevin if there was ever someone who did NOT like his impersonation of them. He said most have a great sense of humor about it, and Robert De Niro laughs uncontrollably when he does it for him. However, Kevin was in a movie with Jack Nicholson, and Kevin's mother came to the set and HIT ON JACK NICHOLSON in front of everyone! And wouldn't stop. Kevin's impersonation of Jack (b)itching to Kevin was priceless. He details the story and all of his close encounters of the impersonation kind in his book. LISTEN TO AUDIO HERE

RADIO AT ITS BEST: KAJA-/San Antonio Raises Over $703,000 For St. Judes' Kid's Radiothon; The Tommy Show Comes To Aid Of Girl Scout Troop Following Attack [AUDIO]

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– That's KJ 97 radio hosts Randy Carroll, Travis Moon, Jamie Martin and Bree Wagner just after hosted a 30-hour event getting the news that its listeners contributed over $703,145 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the radio station’s fourth annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon. Reportedly, over 2,000 local listeners pledged $20 per month to support the hospital. The station raised 35% more money this year than in the previous year. –––––– Moving up to DC, After an attack on their cookie booth, Girl Scout Troop 5819 in Waldorf Maryland, with a little help from a lot of friends, was able to make their Goal! In just over two hours, over $3000 in cookie sales and $1500 in pledge donations came in to help out Girl Scout Troop 5819 from Waldorf Maryland this morning. While selling Girl Scout cookies over the weekend, the girls and troop leader Shelli Harris were attacked by a man and woman attempting to rob them. The troop had been on track to make their fundraising goal for a trip to Disney World…before the assault. To help the troop get back on track, last Friday, The Tommy Show on 94.7 FRESH FM and the troop headed back to the scene of the crime for a two hour last chance sale in Waldorf. Listeners from Maryland, Virginia, and DC lined up to buy boxes and donate to the girls' cause and made pledges via PayPal account. LISTEN TO AUDIO HERE

Thousands Turnout For Gary Bryan/K-EARTH'S Bugstock

THE MOUTH, APRIL 1ST, 2013 –– Bugstock is the brain child of K-EARTH/LA'S Gary Bryan. Producer Brandon Castillo tells Jockline Daily, "He did something very similar when he was working in the Seattle market. He brought the concept here and it has turned into an annual event! Everything about the event revolves the "Beatles" and "VW's". We have a HUGE car show of VW's (prizes awarded). We have a great concert with various "Beatles" bands, vendor booths, games for kids, photo booths, fun for the entire family! Since this years event was right before Easter, we even had the "Easter Bunny" show up for the kids. Thousands were in attendance! Great NTR event!!!"

Signed Sgt. Pepper Album Draws Nearly $300K At Auction - [EXAMINER]

Justin Bieber Could Be Prosecuted For Spitting On Neighbor - [EXTRA]

Producer Phil Ramone Passes Away At 79 - [NY TIMES]

Adam Lambert To Receive Top Honor At Glaad Awards - [TAKE 40]

ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons Return To First Band, Moving Sidewalks - [NY POST]

'G.I. Joe' Takes Weekend Honors At Box Office - [INQUISITR]

Popular Session Guitarist Hugh McCracken Passes Away - [NOISE]

TRAILERS WE LOVE: Denzel Washington & Mark Wahlberg - [RED CARPET CRASH]

Bieber's Pet Monkey Seized At Airport - [NEWS SKY]

Aunt Viv' From 'Fresh Prince' Not A Fan Of Wendy Williams - [THE GRIO]

'General Hospital' Turns 50 - [E]

UH OH: Jewelry Missing From 'Anger Management' Set. Is There A Lilo Connection? - [HOLLYSCOOP]

LIMBAUGH: Content Is What Drives Listeners To Radio

"People will go wherever they have to in order to get the content that they want"

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– On yesterday's Rush Limbaugh Show the subject took a pause from politics as a caller wanted to talk, of all things, about RADIO. Specifically, he wondered why with all the changing technology how AM radio has survived for him and other talk hosts? "Is it different than what's happening to broadcast and cable and print, or is it somehow the same," he asked? RUSH: Are you asking me why has that not killed AM radio? "...I really think that the ultimate answer to your question is content. People will go wherever they have to in order to get the content that they want. So if what they want is on an AM radio station, that's where they'll go to get it. If they have to string two tin cans together with a piece of string to get it, that's where they'll go, if they want it. I think content is king. Surprisingly, a lot of broadcasters don't subscribe to that. But I think it is content. READ ENTIRE TRANSCRIPT HERE

Premiere Networks Launches 'Weekends With The Breakfast Club"

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– Premiere Networks announced the launch of Weekends with The Breakfast Club into national syndication, effective immediately. The new three-hour, weekly radio program originating from New York’s Power 105.1 features the 20 hottest songs on the charts alongside DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God’s (shown) interviews.  The program, which launched on Power 105.1 on February 16, and has already added more than 30 radio stations to its list of affiliates. “Keep God first, stay humble, and keep working!” stated DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God.  “Syndication is every radio personality’s dream. As long as we continue to do those three things, we will continue to make our dreams reality. Thanks to Premiere and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for this incredible opportunity! We love providing fun, compelling content and are excited to expand it across the U.S.”  

Jagger & Kristi Make Dream Come True For 10-Year-Old San Diego Girl [VIDEO]

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– Through Magic 92.5’s MAGIC/San Diego's Jagger & Kristi’s Bucket List, a special little girl’s dream came true last week. On March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, Marisa Cox, a 10-year-old girl with Down Syndrome-- and a huge Justin Beiber fan—learned that she would be a VIP guest at the upcoming Justin Beiber concert on Saturday, June 22 at San Diego’s Valley View Casino Center. Much to her delight, Marisa, who suffers from a life-threatening kidney disease following a kidney transplant, will also get to meet the mega-star backstage before the show. Jagger & Kristi surprised Marisa with the tickets and good news last week at the Fox 5 back lot, along with other Justin Bieber themed prizes, including perfume and a toothbrush that plays Justin Beiber tunes. Her mother, Adele Cox, submitted Marisa’s Bucket List request through www.magic925.com. WATCH VIDEO HERE

CCME Brings Alternative Back To Atlanta With Debut Of Radio 105.7

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– CCME Atlanta announced the debut of Radio 105.7, Atlanta's new alternative station, which will begin broadcasting immediately. Radio 105.7 will also offer expanded coverage on 96.7 FM.
“Our goal is to offer Atlanta listeners a different genre of music while providing the best programming and listening experience available,” said Matt Scarano, Market President, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Atlanta. “The area is home to Talk, Hip Hop, Country, Top 40 and Classic Hits formats, but Radio 105.7 will bring fresh alternative music back to Atlanta – which is something our listeners are currently missing.”Radio 105.7 weekday programming lineup:
5 - 10 a.m. – Aly Young (shown) 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Roche 1 - 4 p.m. – Jordin Silver 4 - 9 p.m. – Mike Jones - 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. – Kevin

Landecker Book Tour Devours Chicago [AUDIO]

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– One would think the most fun times Chicago's John Records Landecker ever had were back during his days at the legendary 89/WLS. After this week, that could all change. Out promoting his just released "Records Truly Is My Middle Name," produced by Rick Kaempfer, he's getting a major celebrity welcome from Chicago media unlike any radio personality ever before. This week it's been non-stop, wall-to-wall interviews from newspapers, TV (WGN above) and radio, plus calls into shows outside the market. Along the tour, he made a stop at fellow icon, Jonathon Brandmeier's WGN show for what turned out to be one of the funniest, most entertaining interviews you'll hear for a long time to come. LISTEN TO AUDIO HERE

IN THE MOUTH: Stephanie Winans' Do’s And Don’t's of Social Media Teasing PT. 1

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– In The Mouth, Digital Media Specialist, Stephanie Winans, of The Randy Lane Company says "You spend time each day crafting on-air teases for your show. And why? You create strong teases to give listeners that “I have to hear this” feeling, to keep them listening through commercials or music breaks. Social media teases are very similar to on-air teases. You want to give listeners that same feeling, except that with digital media it’s “I’ve got to see this” instead of “I’ve got to hear this.” And instead of enticing a listener to stay tuned, you’re goal is to entice them to click the link you’ve shared or to listen to the station. In part 1 of Winans' "Do’s And Don’t's of Social Media Teasing, here's item 1: "Do create fresh content on your website. Strong teases start with strong website content. Is each category of your site frequently updated with fresh content? If you don’t have a content strategy for your website, it’s time to create one. Without a robust content strategy, it is difficult for Social Media Managers (or Promotions Directors, or whoever runs your social media presence) to find quality content that supports both the station brand and the social media strategy in place. For example, having frequently updated jock logs, show podcast's, music news, concert calendars and videos gives you a stable cornerstone in which to build your social media strategy. If your website is static, you are forced to curate relevant content from other websites 100% of the time. This is a missed opportunity as you are generating traffic (and revenue!) for other companies and not your own." On Monday, "The 80/20 Rule.

Heart Radio And Mays Team Again For 3rd Music Festival

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced the return of its two-day, star-studded music event – the heartland Music Festival. Back for its third year, the heartland Music Festival will return to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on September 20 and 21, 2013. Clear Channel also announced its continued partnership with Marcy's to bring back Marcy’s heartland Rising Star, a campaign designed to spotlight America's emerging musicians and find one lucky artist or group to perform at the iconic heartland Music Festival.  “Creating pop culture events, bringing music to our fans and offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to listeners across the country is the heart of what we do,” said Tom Pole man, President of National Programming Platforms for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “The heartland Music Festival has become a marquee event in the music industry, showcasing exactly what heartland offers – the hottest artists and biggest names in music, all in one place."

REPORT: Barbara Walters To Retire In 2014

THE MOUTH, MARCH 29TH, 2013 –– One of TV's most recognized personalities, Barbara Walters, is expected to announce her retirement in the coming weeks reports The Hollywood Reporter.. The longtime ABC News personality and host of "The View" will reportedly stay on at The View through next season to help with the transition of exiting of hosts Joy Bear and Elisabeth Hasslebeck. Her final visits will showcase her more than half a century in broadcasting. This announcement, says THR, is not surprising given her health issues earlier this year which kept her off The View for several weeks. She also once commented during a 2011 interview with President Barack Obama that she planned to retire in 2012. An ABC News spokesperson wouldn't lend support to the rumor saying, "Barbara has joked that she is retiring every year since the Clinton administration." ABC News has not commented on Walter's retirement.

MSBC XXV CHICAGO: Still Time To Enter Your Picks For "The 25 Most Influential Personalities Of Last 25 Years"

Venus Vs Serena, The Documentary - [ONTD]

Powerball Winner Issued Warrant For Unpaid Child Support - [DAILY BEAST]

Chris Cuomo & Kate Bolduan Join CNN For Morning Show - [ZAP 2 IT]

Taylor Swift To Appear In 'New Girl' Season Finale - [INSIDE TV]

Sean "Diddy" Combs Named Wealthiest Rapper With Estimated $580 Million - [NJ.COM]

Two Yes's, One No, Demi Lovato Returning To 'X-Factor' - [THE WRAP]

Is Bruce Willis Eyeing 'Bond' Role? - [EXPRESS]

NICE: Prince William Stars In BBC Helicopter Rescue Video - [THE MIRROR]

Jamie Foxx As POTUS In "White House Down" - [THE GRIO]

Kendall Jenner Goes Stylish On The Cover of Harper's Bizarre - [PEREZ HILTON]

LeAnn Rimes And Eddie Cibrian Want A Reality Series - [REALITY TEA]

Did Beyonce's British Vogue Cover Get Leaked? - [THE GLOSS]

MSBC XXV CHICAGO: Still Time To Enter Your Picks For "The 25 Most Influential Personalities Of Last 25 Years"

if you would like to nominate candidates for the top 25 most influential list, EMAIL US HERE. PLEASE ENTER "TOP 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL" IN SUBJECT LINE. All formats included.